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How do I Choose the Best Collagen Tablets?

Paul Woods
Paul Woods

A person can choose the best collagen tablets by matching the reason for use, such as reducing joint pain, to the specific type of collagen in the product. He also can look at the ingredients to see if there are any additives that can boost the supplement's effectiveness, or which might be problematic for medical or ethical reasons. Looking for versions that accommodate a dose between 5 and 10 grams also might be helpful — although more research is necessary to standardize how much people take, currently, this is the amount medical professionals usually think is probably beneficial and safe.

The Need for Collagen

Collagen supplements are taken to help reduce joint pain.
Collagen supplements are taken to help reduce joint pain.

Collagen is a naturally occurring compound that makes up 25% – 35% of all the proteins in the human body. Unfortunately, as a person gets older, he or she will continuously lose collagen, resulting in wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pains and other signs of aging. Although more research is needed, some evidence suggests that supplements can reduce these negative effects. Experts have learned that cream forms do not work, because the collagen molecule is too big for the skin to absorb. Injections are mainly used as fillers to plump up specific areas of the skin, so in many cases, the best option is taking collagen orally as a convenient tablet.

Reason for Use

A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Collagen tablets are designed to replace this lost protein.
A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Collagen tablets are designed to replace this lost protein.

There are over two dozen different types of collagen, and each of them has a slightly different function. Five of these are well known. Type I is by far the most common in the body and is associated with skin, tendons and bones. Type II links to cartilage, Type III connects to reticular fibers, and Type IV is a component in cell membranes. Placenta, hair and the surfaces of cells contain Type V.

It is important to read the supplement label before buying collagen tablets.
It is important to read the supplement label before buying collagen tablets.

According to some supporters of these products, understanding the various kinds available is important because, ideally, a person should supplement based on the physical needs they have. Someone who wants healthier, more radiant skin, for example, should look for options with Type I. By contrast, those who have cartilage loss, which often happens with conditions such as arthritis, might be better off taking Type II.

Additional Beneficial Ingredients

Using collagen tablets can help an individual maintain a youthful appearance.
Using collagen tablets can help an individual maintain a youthful appearance.

Many collagen tablets contain other beneficial ingredients, but just as the specific type of the compound matters, so does the function of these additives. Glucosamine, chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethan often appear in versions with Type II, for example, because they are thought to aid cartilage production. Similarly, some Type I kinds include Vitamin C, not only because it plays a role in collagen synthesis, but also because it is a strong antioxidant that can fight cell damage. A person looking for a good supplement should consider whether these other substances truly would be beneficial, as well as if they would interfere with other areas of diet and medical treatment.

Allergy and Health Condition Considerations

Collagen degradation occurs as individuals age, causing wrinkles.
Collagen degradation occurs as individuals age, causing wrinkles.

Many manufacturers use sources of collagen that might bring on an allergic reaction in some people. Seafood is a common example, particularly shellfish. Others contain eggs, wheat, yeast and gluten, and some brands contain high levels of substances such as salt that can cause problems such as high blood pressure. Buyers usually can avoid these interactions simply by reading the product label, although they might have to be familiar with more than one name for the same ingredient.

Ethical Concerns

Some people use collagen supplements to help treat osteoarthritis and joint pain.
Some people use collagen supplements to help treat osteoarthritis and joint pain.

Certain collagen tablets are chicken or cow based. Some vegans or vegetarians avoid these products because of specific medical conditions, but in general, the major reason they pick alternatives is because they are concerned with the ethics of animal consumption. They typically feel that eating animals or animal products directly or indirectly promotes animal cruelty. Even when manufacturers make the supplements from plant sources, many individuals still feel that looking into issues such as overharvesting, deforestation and environmental pollution is important, so investigating the company prior to purchase can be helpful.

Dosing

Experts usually recommend somewhere between 5 and 10 grams of collagen a day. Despite this trend, and although the fact that the compound's water solubility makes overdoses unlikely, medical professionals are still researching the use of supplements. There is not yet a formal, standard dose. They do not have enough information to support many of the touted benefits of the tablets, so even when taken under supervision, these products are not guaranteed to be safe or effective.

Warnings

In addition to the potential allergies that can result from taking a collagen supplement, another potential side effect is an increase in calcium levels. Nausea and vomiting, fatigue, constipation and more serious problems such as abnormal heart rhythms can result. Similar issues can occur because of the glucosamine and chondroitin common in these products. In some people, the tablets also cause a decrease in appetite, which medical professionals think might be due in part to the fact that proteins, such as collagen, slow down digestion and help a person feel full, triggering biochemical responses that tell someone to stop eating.

Discussion Comments

ddljohn

A friend of mine said that I have to take hyaluronic acid supplements along with collagen supplements or it won't work. Is this true?

Apparently, there are even some collagen tablets that include hyaluronic acid in them.Is this kind of like taking vitamin C with collagen tablets? Do I need to take both vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to benefit from collagen supplements?

If someone can clarify this for me that would be great. I'm so confused!

turquoise

Not everyone needs to use the same kind of collagen capsules and tablets, it depends on what you're trying to achieve.

There are more than one types of collagen. Type I, II and III are the most common but they serve different purposes. If you are looking to improve your skin, for example, collagen type I and III will be the most beneficial. If you're looking to improve your joints, then collagen II is better.

Some people also don't realize that our body can't absorb and make use of any type of collagen. It has too be small enough to permeate into our tissues. This means that the molecular size of the collagen should be pretty small.

Most companies don't even bother mentioning the size of the collagen molecules in their tablets. So if you take them you can't be sure if they're actually getting utilized by your body or not.

fify
I'm not a vegetarian or vegan but I prefer pure marine collagen tablets because I don't like the idea of taking collagen tablets coming from chickens and cows.

And since I take marine collagen, I make sure to buy certified organic, all-natural tablets. I think with all marine products there is a risk of heavy metals and other things that might be in the water. I just feel safer when I know that I can trust the company I'm buying from and it's certified.

Collagen tablets are available everywhere nowadays -- health stores, pharmacies and online. I get mine from an organic supermarket.

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    • Collagen supplements are taken to help reduce joint pain.
      By: snyfer
      Collagen supplements are taken to help reduce joint pain.
    • A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Collagen tablets are designed to replace this lost protein.
      By: Alila
      A diagram of younger and older skin showing the decrease in collagen in older skin. Collagen tablets are designed to replace this lost protein.
    • It is important to read the supplement label before buying collagen tablets.
      By: charles taylor
      It is important to read the supplement label before buying collagen tablets.
    • Using collagen tablets can help an individual maintain a youthful appearance.
      By: Syda Productions
      Using collagen tablets can help an individual maintain a youthful appearance.
    • Collagen degradation occurs as individuals age, causing wrinkles.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Collagen degradation occurs as individuals age, causing wrinkles.
    • Some people use collagen supplements to help treat osteoarthritis and joint pain.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Some people use collagen supplements to help treat osteoarthritis and joint pain.